The Energy of Falling Water, Connecticut's Early Mills

The energy of falling water – Connecticut’s early water mills

Water-powered mills brought civilization to Connecticut as early as 1650. In the early days, every small Connecticut village had to depend upon itself for almost every necessity. There was no electricity, steam power had not been invented and water-powered mills were the answer.

Communities often started around a sawmill or a gristmill. More factories whose machines were powered by water or other mills making hats, buttons, clocks, cider, plaster or iron works would follow. Connecticut water powered mills and factories expanded to serve a world market in the mid-1800s. Access to appropriate river sites wasn’t taken lightly and was one of the reasons Mark Twain said, Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.

Join us for an interesting view into the many water-powered mills that helped create the great state of Connecticut.

Speaker Bio: John Cilio

John Cilio is a historical storyteller, author and researcher who has brought historical stories back to life for over 15 years. He is a member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. He has numerous articles printed in national magazines and newspapers and has published eight historical books. John hails from a career in corporate marketing and has spoken to large and small audiences in over 60 countries around the world. He lives in Sherman.

Host or Publisher Torrington Historical Society